This system can be modeled by using a clear box (about the size of a shoe box), a warm mass (such as a rock, soil or sand) and a cup of ice placed in a hole in the top of the box. As the vapor condenses, it will drop back down onto the warm mass, and evaporate once again.

A simple activity is to calculate the dew point by using a can with ice and a thermometer.

For an extension, students could use the system modeling software STELLA to more carefully recreate this dynamic24.

Wrap up with discussion

Discuss observations and elicit student explanations for the condensation under the ice, and precipitation from this condensation.

Discuss with students why earthenware pots are used to keep water cool (they allow for evaporation and therefore cooler water).

6. Geographic Proximity to Water Lesson and Activity

Introduction

This lesson allows the instructor and students to explore myriad geographic regions, and make connections among the physical science concepts explored as part of the entire unit.

Objective

To recognize that oceans and other large bodies of water have dramatic impact on weather.

Materials

Internet access

Activity procedure

The activity to explore this would be to consult temperature maps of the region during weather events where the influence of heating from the water is evident.

Students will choose areas that are near oceans or large bodies of water, and make predictions about the weather and temperature conditions over a 24 hour period. Possible specific locations include the Pacific Coast, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Coast, and then areas inland from these regions. Students then go online and gather real-time data on their chosen locations.

An extension is to encourage students to make predictions and gather information on locations from around the globe.